"The Jeffersons": Family & Friends Quiz

Answer: Sherman Hemsley

Sherman Hemsley, born in 1938, first appeared as George Jefferson in 1973 on the hit TV series "All in the Family" (1971-1979). His character was so popular that Sherman was given his own spinoff series called "The Jeffersons" (1975-1985). Mr. Hemsley was blessed with a second hit comedy series, "Amen", which ran from 1986-1991.

He played the part of Deacon Ernest Frye throughout the show's entire run.

Answer: Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford began playing the part of Louise Jefferson on the TV comedy "All in the Family" (1971-1979). A few years later, her character starred in the spinoff series "The Jeffersons" (1975-1985). Ms. Sanford was the first African American actress to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1981.

She also appeared in the movie "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" in 1967 as the Drayton's maid Tillie. Isabel passed away at the age of 86 in 2004.

Answer: Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs, born in 1931, played the role of Florence Johnston on "The Jeffersons" (1975-1985). In 1981, Marla took her character into the spinoff series "Checking In" (1981). Unfortunately, the series only lasted four episodes, so Marla returned as Florence to "The Jeffersons" (1975-1985). Ms. Gibbs is also known for the starring role of Mary Jenkins on the sitcom "227" (1985-1990). Marla has been a guest on TV shows such as "Martin" (1992-1997) and "The Hughleys" (1998-2002).

Answer: Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker played Helen Willis, an African American character who was married to a Caucasian male. The Willis' were the first interracial couple to be starring characters on a prime time television show. Ms. Roker is the mother of the famous musician, Lenny Kravitz.

She was nominated for a 1974 Tony Award for her portrayal of Mattie Williams in the Broadway play "The River Niger". Roxie passed away in 1995 from breast cancer.

Answer: Franklin Cover

Franklin Cover's breakout role was that of Tom Willis, a publisher and friend to the Jefferson family. Tom, a Caucasian man, was married to Helen Willis, an African American woman. Tom was often ridiculed by George Jefferson because of his hefty weight. Mr. Clover also appeared in the movies "The Stepford Wives" (1975) and "Wall Street" (1987). He passed away in 2006 at the age of 77.

Answer: Paul Benedict

Paul Benedict played the part of the eccentric, though lovable, British neighbor, Harry Bentley. Harry worked as an interpreter for the United Nations. The character would often have the Jeffersons' front door slammed in his face by George Jefferson. Mr. Benedict was actually American, not British. Paul appeared in the movies "The Goodbye Girl" (1977) and "The Freshman" (1990).

He passed away in 2008 at the age of 70.

Answer: Damon Evans

Damon Evans, born 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland USA, took over the role of Lionel Jefferson, George and Louise's son, in the second season and stayed with the show through the fourth. Damon also appeared in the TV movie "Roots: The Next Generations" (1979).

Answer: Ned Wertimer

Ned Wertimer, born in 1923, played the part of Ralph Hart, the doorman in the Jefferson's high-rise apartment building. Ralph was always looking for money tips from the tenants. Mr. Wertimer also appeared in the cult movie "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (1964).

Answer: Berlinda Tolbert

Berlinda Tolbert, born in 1949, played Jenny Willis Jefferson, the daughter of Tom and Helen Willis. Jenny Willis and Lionel Jefferson married in 1976, but announced in the final season that they were divorcing. Ms. Tolbert appeared in the movie "Harlem Nights" (1989).

Answer: Norman Lear

Norman Lear, born in 1922, felt the characters of George and Louise Jefferson were so popular on "All in the Family" (1971-1979), that he decided to develop a spinoff series for them called "The Jeffersons" (1975-1985). He produced classic TV shows such as "Maude" (1972-1978) and "Sanford and Son" (1972-1977).